'Zorba the Greek' composer Theodorakis leaves hospital

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 file photo, famous Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis holds a Greek flag waves after his speech at a rally in Athens. "Zorba the Greek" composer Mikis Theodorakis has undergone surgery in Athens to have a pacemaker installed, according to a hospital statement Friday March 8, 2019, saying the 94-year old Theodorakis, is recuperating from the operation Friday.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File)

ATHENS, Greece — An Athens hospital statement says "Zorba the Greek" composer Mikis Theodorakis has been discharged after undergoing surgery to have a pacemaker installed.

The 94-year-old Theodorakis was admitted to a private hospital Feb. 26 and had the pacemaker implanted last week. He left hospital Thursday.

The composer won international acclaim with his prolific output and inspired millions at home for standing up to Greece's 1967-74 military dictatorship.

Despite his frail health in recent years, he has continued to engage in public affairs. In January, he addressed an Athens rally against Greece's agreement to normalize relations with neighbouring Macedonia — since renamed North Macedonia.